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Marlins Go Outside the Box, Select Kolek

Brady Aiken came off the board early, as the Astros snatched him up with the first overall pick. That left the Marlins with three options; they could either take developed college pitcher Carlos Rodon from North Carolina State, prep fireballer Tyler Kolek, or a hitter.

Carlos Rodon looked like he was the perfect fit. He is a dominant lefty, and he also has Cuban in his blood. The Marlins are located near Little Havanah and they have a ton of Cuban followers. Rodon was born in Miami, and it seemed that was the storybook ending.

The Marlins went against the grain, though, and selected Kolek. The monster right-hander from Shepherd, Texas will fit well in the Marlins farm system, and should be able to move up the minor league system in a hurry.

Kolek, who stands 6-5, has touched 102 MPH with his fastball, with a wicked breaking ball that registers at 90 MPH.

He has committed to play baseball at Texas Christian, but the Marlins should be able to sign him. They have the largest draft budget, and if all goes well, Kolek will report to Marlins camp as soon as possible.

Kolek's makeup is unprecedented, as there has never before been a high schooler as big or who throws as hard as him. I admire them for taking the chance and not worrying about the heat from the naysayers.

A few years down the road, possibly as soon as 2016, the Marlins' pitching rotation could be led by Rookie of the Year Jose Fernandez and Kolek. That would be a filthy, hard-throwing staff, which can only be good in the future for the Marlins.